Endless Belt Coupling With Thermoplastic Joints and Rubber Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing endless belts used in conveyance devices, such as automatic ticket gates, require complex and time-consuming replacement processes due to the use of thermosetting resin, which complicates joining and can lead to reduced durability when transitioning between thermosetting and thermoplastic resins.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a band-shaped belt with pre-formed coupling parts made of thermoplastic resin and a vulcanized rubber main body, where the thermoplastic resin and unvulcanized rubber are chemically bonded using a crosslinking agent, allowing for easy joining and enhanced durability by forming a strong coupling between the belt main body and the coupling parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermosetting resin is used as the main material for the endless belt, then the belt can be manufactured with good durability, but the joining process becomes complicated and requires bonding parts to join the belt after cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidjoining process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter at the coupling part from thermosetting resin to thermoplastic resin. This allows the belt to be joined by melting and fusing the thermoplastic material, eliminating the need for separate bonding parts and complex joining processes while maintaining the durability benefits of thermosetting resin in the main belt body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The belt is divided into two functional segments: the main belt body made of thermosetting resin for durability, and the coupling parts made of thermoplastic resin for easy joining. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the endless belt is joined by fusing thermoplastic resin, then the joining process is simplified, but the boundary line between thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resin deteriorates earlier reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining process complexityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining thermosetting resin (for durability in the main body) and thermoplastic resin (for ease of joining in coupling parts). The cross-sectional view shows distinct regions where each material is optimally placed to achieve both durability and ease of joining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If the endless belt is replaced by detaching and reattaching the conveyance device, then the belt can be replaced, but the work time becomes long and the process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt replacement capabilityVSAvoidbelt replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling parts are pre-formed with thermoplastic resin during belt manufacturing, preparing them in advance for easy joining. This preliminary preparation allows the belt to be cut and rejoined quickly at the construction site without requiring complex bonding operations or device disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the main belt body joinable (which would compromise durability), the invention makes the coupling parts joinable through thermoplastic material. This inverted approach allows easy joining at the coupling ends while maintaining thermosetting resin durability in the main belt body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach simplifies the belt replacement process by allowing on-site joining and significantly enhances the durability of the endless belt through strong chemical bonding between the thermoplastic resin and vulcanized rubber, reducing the risk of premature deterioration at the boundary lines.

Implementation Method 1

an unvulcanized rubber sheet that includes an unvulcanized rubber and a crosslinking agent covalently bonded to the unvulcanized rubber and the thermoplastic resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a vulcanization-molding process of vulcanization-molding the unvulcanized stacked body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVulcanization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11214441B2Band-shaped belt, endless belt, and method for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 NITTA CORP

AI summary

An endless belt includes a band-shaped belt main body made of a vulcanized rubber, and a coupling part that is made of a thermoplastic resin and is provided between both end parts of the belt main body, wherein the vulcanized rubber of the both end parts of the belt main body and the thermoplastic resin of the coupling part are chemically bonded to each other.